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Is Bog Bilberry toxic to cats?

Vaccinium uliginosum

Mildly toxic to cats

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bog bilberry as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Vaccinium uliginosum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic plant database. The ripe berries are widely consumed by humans and wildlife and are broadly considered safe; a 2024 phytochemical review found no evidence of toxic alkaloids or strongly harmful secondary metabolites. However, historical European folklore warned of inebriation (now attributed to natural fermentation of fruit), and the plant's safety for cats and dogs has not been formally confirmed by ASPCA. On a precautionary basis it is classified as mildly toxic to pets; do not allow pets to graze it freely and consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your cat ate bog bilberry

  1. Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and move bog bilberry out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of bog bilberry to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your cat has eaten bog bilberry, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is bog bilberry toxic to cats? — FAQ

Is bog bilberry toxic to cats?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bog bilberry as mildly toxic to cats — a chewing cat typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Vaccinium uliginosum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic plant database. The ripe berries are widely consumed by humans and wildlife and are broadly considered safe; a 2024 phytochemical review found no evidence of toxic alkaloids or strongly harmful secondary metabolites. However, historical European folklore warned of inebriation (now attributed to natural fermentation of fruit), and the plant's safety for cats and dogs has not been formally confirmed by ASPCA. On a precautionary basis it is classified as mildly toxic to pets; do not allow pets to graze it freely and consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a cat eats bog bilberry?

Vaccinium uliginosum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic or Non-Toxic plant database. The ripe berries are widely consumed by humans and wildlife and are broadly considered safe; a 2024 phytochemical review found no evidence of toxic alkaloids or strongly harmful secondary metabolites. However, historical European folklore warned of inebriation (now attributed to natural fermentation of fruit), and the plant's safety for cats and dogs has not been formally confirmed by ASPCA. On a precautionary basis it is classified as mildly toxic to pets; do not allow pets to graze it freely and consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your cat has had access to bog bilberry.

What should I do if my cat ate bog bilberry?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your cat's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is bog bilberry toxic to dogs too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bog Bilberry is mildly toxic to dogs as well. See the full bog bilberry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a cat-safe alternative to bog bilberry?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best cats-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full bog bilberry pet-safety